Individual therapy can help with a myriad of concerns and provide a safe space for a struggling individual, but the addition of group therapy can provide an extremely important structural change in a person's life by popping the isolation bubble that is often the backdrop upon which addiction occurs.

Isolation does not always mean that a person is alone, but it does mean that a person feels they have no one to turn to and no one who could help or understand. Many times addicts push others away because they know those people would intervene or try to help. But often, this isolation begins before addiction and starts as early as childhood. 

Many addicts are trying to fill a void that predates addiction. With group therapy, the isolation or loneliness an addict is accustomed to is turned on its head as the person in recovery is exposed to other people who are going through the same or similar struggle. They break through the wall of belief that addiction is the only answer as they feel heard and supported by others who genuinely understand. 

A feeling of belonging 

A feeling of belonging is essential in the recovery process. The recovering addict needs to feel as if they are not alone in their recovery, or else it will feel exactly the same as the addiction--a lonely struggle. With the same emotional story as before, it is much easier to slip back into old habits. A new emotional story will pave the way for new habits, even if the road is a challenge.

Redefining relationships 

Redefining relationships is key as well. An addict may have a very established pattern of interaction with others in order to conceal their addiction and convince everyone that they are okay. Having a group to interact with who will see through that pattern will cause that pattern to fall apart, making room for genuine relationships built on honesty, trust, and vulnerability. 

Another very important benefit to group therapy is that the recovering addict will have a roadmap to their own success. Witnessing other people fall down and get back up will give them strength in their own setbacks. Seeing other people be vulnerable will help them understand that it's okay. Having other people listen and care about their story will help them open up and be empathetic to others and support others in their group, and being needed and counted on will give them a sense of purpose.